Hoosier State Boating: Displaying Numbers Legally And Proudly

If you're planning to operate a boat in Indiana, you'll need to register it with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and display valid watercraft decals. The BMV will issue a certificate of registration, a registration number, and two decals for each watercraft registration. The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the bow of the boat and be clearly legible from a distance of 100 feet. The number should be in block letters, at least three inches high, and in a colour that contrasts sharply with the boat.

Indiana boat registration numbers

The boat registration number must be in three-inch, block-style lettering and easily read from left to right. The registration number colour must contrast with its background colour.

Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen, for example: IN 1234 AA. No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.

The certificate of registration and validation decals are valid for one year and may be obtained by submitting an application and a fee to any Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) License Branch.

The registration number must be displayed, painted on or attached to each side of the bow of the watercraft so that the number is legible and clearly visible. Indiana registration number stickers are not provided by the BMV or DNR.

The decals contain the watercraft's registration number and expiration date and must be affixed either to the bow of each side of the watercraft, within three inches to the right of the watercraft's registration number forward half of the watercraft; or on each side of the forward half of the bow above the water line of the watercraft if a registration number is not required to be displayed.

Where to display registration numbers

To display your Indiana boat registration number, you must follow these rules:

The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the bow of the boat. The number should be painted on, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to the boat. It should be placed towards the forward half of the bow, above the water line, and in a position that makes it clearly visible and legible at all times.

The number must be displayed in BLOCK letters, at least three inches high, and in a single solid colour that contrasts sharply with the colour of the boat. The letters and numbers must be separated by a space or hyphen, for example, 'IN 1234 AB' or 'IN-1234-AB'. No other numbers should be displayed on either side of the bow.

In addition to the registration number, you must also display the excise tax decals on both sides of the bow. These should be placed within three inches to the right of the registration number.

Indiana boating license

To operate a boat in Indiana, you must follow certain regulations and obtain the necessary licences and registrations. While Indiana does not have specific education requirements for adults, the state does have age restrictions for vessel and PWC operation.

If you are over the age of 15 and will be operating a motorboat or PWC, but do not have an Indiana driver's license, you need to pass an approved boater safety course. Indiana law requires you to obtain a Boater Education Certificate by taking a boat safety course. This can be done online through a state-approved course provider such as Boat-Ed.com. The course can be completed at your own pace and taken on any device. After passing the final exam, you can print a temporary boating license and start boating right away. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 2-3 weeks.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources recommends that all boaters, regardless of age, take a boating safety class. Additionally, all motorboat and PWC operators must have a valid driver's license to operate on Indiana public waters. Residents of Indiana must have a valid driver's license when operating on Indiana boundary waters, while non-residents do not need a driver's license unless operating in an embayment, river, or stream in Indiana.

To register a boat in Indiana, you must apply to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). All watercraft operating on Indiana waterways must be registered with the BMV and display valid watercraft decals unless exempt. The BMV issues a certificate of registration, a registration number, and two decals for each watercraft registration. The registration number must be displayed on each side of the bow of the watercraft and be clearly visible and legible from a distance of 100 feet. The decals must be affixed to the bow of each side of the watercraft, within three inches to the right of the registration number, or on each side of the forward half of the bow above the waterline if a registration number is not required.

Certain vessels are exempt from registration in Indiana, including non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. Additionally, vessels that are properly registered in another state and are using Indiana waters for a maximum of 60 consecutive days, or whose owners have paid the required Indiana excise tax, are also exempt. Vessels from another country that are operated temporarily on Indiana waters and vessels moored on the Indiana part of Lake Michigan for a maximum of 180 consecutive days are also exempt from registration.

Indiana boat registration requirements

Indiana's boat registration requirements are handled by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The BMV is responsible for titling and registering watercraft operated in Indiana.

To register a boat in Indiana, you must submit a registration application to the BMV. Once the vessel is registered, you will receive a Certificate of Registration, a registration number, and two decals for each watercraft registration. The certificate must be kept on board and be made available for inspection whenever the vessel is in operation. The registration number must be displayed on each side of the bow of the watercraft and be clearly legible.

Registration fees are charged only when a vessel is purchased, and the boat excise tax must be paid annually. The excise tax decals must be displayed on both sides of the boat, within three inches, and to the right of the registration number.

In addition to the registration number, all motorized vessels operating on Indiana waterways must display valid watercraft decals. Non-motorized vessels must also display valid watercraft decals and pay any applicable taxes and fees. Vessels exempt from registration in Indiana include non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, as well as vessels that are properly registered in another state and are using Indiana waters for a limited time.

For information on Indiana boating laws and safety regulations, refer to the Handbook of Indiana Boating Laws and Responsibilities on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.

Indiana boating laws and regulations

Vessels exempt from registration in Indiana include non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats; vessels that are properly registered in another state and are using Indiana waters for a maximum of 60 consecutive days; vessels from another country that are temporarily operated on Indiana waters; and vessels moored on the Indiana part of Lake Michigan for a maximum of 180 consecutive days.

To register a boat in Indiana, owners must submit an application to the BMV. Once a vessel is registered, the owner will receive a Certificate of Registration that must be kept on board and made available for inspection by law enforcement whenever the vessel is in operation. The registration number must be displayed on each side of the bow of the vessel and be clearly legible and visible. The decals, which include the registration number and expiration date, must be affixed to the bow of each side of the vessel within three inches to the right of the registration number.

Additionally, owners of motorboats and sailboats used, operated, docked, or stored in Indiana are required to pay an annual boat excise tax. The excise tax decals must be displayed on both sides of the boat, within three inches to the right of the registration number. All privately owned vessels on state park, state forest, or reservoir lakes in Indiana must also display a valid lake permit.

Frequently asked questions